BMW Group Plant Chennai celebrated its 11th anniversary
today at a memorable event. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and students
from the College of Engineering of AnnaUniversity,
launched 'SKILL NEXT»', a technical skilling initiative. Together, they
assembled a BMW engine and transmission at the main assembly line of BMW Group
Plant Chennai to commemorate the beginning of the project.

Aiming to act as a major
catalyst in developing automotive talent in the country, 'SKILL NEXT»' will
reach educational institutes and students in every state and union territory in India.
Through the initiative, 365 BMW engine and transmission units will be provided
for learning purposes to engineering and technical institutes at no cost.
'SKILL NEXT»' will present an opportunity for engineering and technical
students to get hands-on training on advanced technologies of BMW engine and
transmission. BMW Group India will also deliver the engine and transmission
units to campuses of engineering colleges / Industrial Training Institutes /
polytechnics at no cost by end of 2018.

The handover of demonstration
units will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis after due undertakings are
submitted by the institutes. The undertakings will ensure that the engine and
transmission units are used inside the laboratories on campuses of the
institutes for learning purposes only.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President,
BMW Group India said,
"The luxury automotive segment in India has
witnessed tremendous growth in the last decade and with the growing number of
cars on road, there is a high requirement of good technical talent in the
industry. 'SKILL NEXT»', will strongly promote the development of technical
competencies in students across the country by enhancing their practical
knowledge of advanced automotive technology. This initiative will also
contribute in increasing the availability of skilled technical staff required
at automotive dealerships in India."

The state-of-the-art
engineering unit, including the BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 4-cylinder diesel
engine and the BMW eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission, will serve as
a valuable learning tool for students. Since 2007, this engine has proved its
mark in India by
powering close to 50,000 units delivered to customers.

Post-handover, a 'Train the
Trainer' module will be devised for institutes where 40 Aftersales Master
Technicians will conduct extensive workshops at BMW dealerships in more than 20
cities. The module has been devised by professional trainers from BMW Group
India Training Centre and BMW Group Plant Chennai. The workshops will be a
combination of classroom sessions and hands-on practical sessions using
detailed training materials.

Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing
Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai said, "For BMW Group Plant Chennai,
skilled workforce is the foundation to make finest cars of outstanding quality.
The know-how of advanced technology and the confidence to work with
state-of-the-art machinery and complex processes is a great asset in
engineering field. 'SKILL NEXT»' initiative will facilitate development of
talent in the future generation of engineers. These skills will open up new
doors for a workforce that wants to make a successful career in automotive
industry in India."

During extreme rain and weather
conditions in Chennai in the past, a considerable number of engine and
transmissions were water affected. As per BMW quality standards, these parts
could not be used in the vehicles. The parts were insured and Bharti AXA General
Insurance honoured the claims. BMW India proposed providing the engines and
transmissions to educational institutes at no cost as they could be used as a
learning resource to impart theoretical and practical knowledge to students.
Bharti AXA General Insurance played a vital role by giving special approval to
allow realisation of the project.

Mr. Sanjeev Srinivasan, Chief
Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bharti AXA General Insurance said,
"When BMW Group India approached us with the innovative idea of 'SKILL
NEXT»', we were excited to be part of it. We at Bharti AXA General Insurance are
always willing to explore ways that allow us to contribute towards the
betterment of the society we live in. The contribution of engine and
transmission units for educational purposes was a marvellous opportunity to do
so. Vehicle insurance premiums amount to nearly 45% of Gross Written Premium
(GWP) recorded by the General Insurance industry and is considered to be a
growth generator for the category.

We strongly believe that as leading players in our arenas,
we have both the responsibility and the means to bring about change for good
and upskill our future leaders to deliver efficiently. It is a pleasure to
initiate this rare opportunity that can make a meaningful difference to the
society."

The students from College of Engineering,
AnnaUniversity and
Mr.Sachin Tendulkar assembled the BMW
TwinPower Turbo in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine with the eight- speed
steptronic automatic transmission for a BMW X3 being locally-produced at the
main assembly line of BMW Group Plant Chennai.